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Lawson seeks FAMU’s top job

TLH
Published 12:04 a.m. ET Dec. 24, 2013

Lawson Lawson Lawson
On May 15, 2007, Al Lawson speaks about some of the ongoing issues at FAMU.(Photo: Glenn Beil)

Florida A&M University’s presidential search committee will have a high-profile name to consider when it meets on Friday: Al Lawson.

Lawson, 62, a FAMU graduate with 28 years in the Florida Legislature and two failed attempts at a seat in Congress, submitted his application Friday night after “weeks and weeks” of wrestling with the decision.

Lawson joins a growing list of candidates that numbered more than 40 Monday afternoon. The search committee, which has met only once since mid-March, has said it hopes to nominate a finalist to the FAMU Board of Trustees by Jan. 8.

“I heard that the board of trustees was not going to let (interim President Larry) Robinson apply. I thought he would be a good candidate,” Lawson said. “With that, based on my experience and how involved I’ve been with the university the last 28 years, I thought I could help move the university in the direction they want to go.”

Lawson does not have a doctorate degree, although that is not a prerequisite based on criteria established by the search committee. Lawson’s highest degree is a master’s in public administration from Florida State University.

He was regarded as one of FAMU’s most ardent supporters during his long service in the Florida House and Senate. The newest facility on FAMU’s campus, the state-of-the-art basketball and activity building, is officially named the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Teaching Center and Gymnasium — familiarly known as the Lawson Center.

FAMU Professor Narayan Persaud, the Faculty Senate president and a member of the search committee, chuckled Monday when informed that Lawson had submitted an application.

“It should make for an interesting discussion Friday. Depending on the pool of candidates, I would hope that we look at everybody objectively despite personal attachments,” Persaud said.

“I expect there will be even more candidates applying before we begin reviewing them.”

Persaud said faculty members have been surveyed, and respondents overwhelmingly want an emphasis on the institution and its needs more than a focus on the individual chosen to be its leader.

FAMU began the hunt for its 11th president shortly after James H. Ammons abruptly resigned in July 2012, in the aftermath of the November 2011 hazing death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion. Robinson, 58, had been provost — the university’s top academic officer — and was named interim president following Ammons’ resignation.

Robinson said he would not be a candidate for the permanent position upon being named interim president, but his contract does not prevent him from applying.